Warning: SPOILERS For And Just Like That Season 3, Episode 5, “Under The Table.“TheSex and the Cityfranchise just gave one of the original characters their darkest, most ominous storyline yet inAnd Just Like That.It’s been a strong start to the revival’s third season, which has been more popular than its first two outings.And Just Like Thatseason 3bears witness to Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) navigating her long-distance relationship with Aidan Shaw (John Corbett) after theSex and the Citylovebirds rekindled their romance in season 2.
InAnd Just Like That’s season 2 finale, Carrie hesitantly agrees to wait five years for her boyfriend, so that he can enjoy their romance without feeling pulled between that and his duties of raising three sons, especially his youngest. At times,things have been clumsy and awkward for Carrie and Aidan, bringing one of the season’s most gripping storylines.That said,And Just Like Thatseason 3, episode 5started an even more compelling story for Charlotte (Kristin Davis), with her getting some heartbreaking news in “Under the Table.”
Harry Goldenblatt Is Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer In AJLT Season 3, Episode 5
Image via Max
Charlotte has always been one ofSex and the City’s most upbeat, optimistic characters. While the other leading ladies are sometimes closed off and quick to judge, Charlotte is a never-ending fountain of positivity, always finding the silver lining in her girlfriends' dating woes and never failing to celebrate their wins. So, it’s impactful that she just got one ofAnd Just Like Thatseason 3’s darkest stories, whenCharlotte learns that her husband, Harry Goldenblatt (Evan Handler), has prostate cancer, possibly altering her life.
Harry asks Charlotte on a walk-in “Under the Table” and divulges his secret to her. Charlotte is devastated, and while Harry tells her not to fret, it’s hard not to worry about what will happen next. The story is already emotional and impactful, with Harry at the beginning of his cancer journey. Watching Charlotte navigate the upset in season 3 is quite a change for her character this season and in general. We’re not used to seeing Charlotte with a stressed, sour look on her face, not in the reserved and melancholy way we see her acting in episode 5.
Harry’s Tragic Twist Gives Charlotte The Deeper Story She’s Been Needing In Season 2
Charlotte York Has Been Comedic Relief In AJLT Season 3
Harry’s story is far from a positive development for the Goldenblatts, butit gives Charlotte the weight that she needs inAnd Just Like Thatseason 3. So far, Charlotte has been relegated to comic relief this season, with little exploration of anything interesting or engaging in her life. InAnd Just Like Thatseason 3’s premiere, Charlotte is caught up in an outrageous B-plot about an older woman at the park mistaking her dog, Richard Burton, for a more vicious canine from the area, throughout which Charlotte defends herself animatedly.
Harry’s illness takes on more emotional weight, giving Charlotte a story she hasn’t had.
Then, inAnd Just Like Thatseason 3, episode 2, Charlotte’s storyline revolves around her and Lisa (Nicole Ari Parker) trying to get their kids in with a lauded college admissions expert. In episode 3, she scores Adderall for Aidan’s son Wyatt (Logan Souza). However,Harry’s diagnosis allows Charlotte to make a bigger impact on season 3’s story. Charlotte has an engaging arc in season 2, balancing the duties of motherhood with her desire to return to work alongside Mark Kasabian (Victor Garber). However, Harry’s illness takes on more emotional weight, giving Charlotte a story she hasn’t had.
We’re Already Seeing Harry’s Request Weigh On Charlotte
If Charlotte dealing with the ramifications of Harry’s diagnosis weren’t stressful enough, theSex and the Citycharacteris pushed even further by her husband’s request to keep his illness quiet.We’re already seeing the toll Harry’s wish will take on Charlottewhen she takes her family for a camping trip in episode 5. When the trip encounters minor road bumps or faces criticism, Charlotte has difficulty keeping a level head, which is understandable, since she is aware of the life-or-death stakes but can’t yet share them with her family.
While it’s sweet for Charlotte to honor her husband’s request so that he doesn’t become “the cancer guy,” her inability to share what she’s going through is clearly taxing. Without talking about Harry’s diagnosis with Carrie and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), or even someone like Lisa, Charlotte can’t fully process what’s happening and the impact it will have on her life. Thankfully, though, Charlotte actorKristin Davis responded to Harry’s news in a recent interview, saying that Charlotte’sAnd Just Like Thatseason 3 story will have a “perfect” comedic upside.
